Nominations and elections in the American Sociological Association are governed by the Constitution and Bylaws, as well as by other guidelines enacted by Council. Bylaws direct that there shall be a Committee on Nominations that prepares a slate with two candidates for: President-Elect, Vice President-Elect, and Secretary-Elect. The Committee on Nominations also prepares a slate of two candidates for each opening among Council Members-at-Large, the Committee on Committees, and the Committee on Publications. Council Members-at-Large, under the guidance of the Vice President-Elect, provide nominations for vacancies on the Committee on Nominations.

To be eligible to vote, members must have joined or renewed no later than March 31st of the year in question. Only Members, Emeritus Members, and Student Members of the Association shall have the right to vote and to hold elected office in the Association (i.e., Associate Members are not eligible to vote or to hold elected office). Ballots are issued no later than May 15 each year.